The effects of Polydactyly

By Susan Grindell, BSc, BOptom, MSc

There are no documented ill effects of the polydactyl gene in the Maine Coon. It is a totally benign and harmless gene with the single effect of producing extra toes on the paws. Sometimes this is confined to the front paws and sometimes the cats have all four feet with extra toes. There has not, to my knowledge, been any polydactyl Maine Coons that are unsymmetric. Both front feet are effected, not one and both back feet are affected.

As discussed by Wright and Walters (1980) polydactylism

"does not seem to do the animal any harm...the same cannot be said for a number of other feline abnormalities caused genetically". This is backed up by Dr Montgomery (Bone and Joint Specialist, Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine) who states "Polydactylism is a fairly common anomaly in cats that is not detrimental to their orthopaedic soundness". It is not sex-linked and it has complete penetrance.

 

Well known NZ feline veterinarian and columnist, Dr Mary Austin says she has never come across any increased risk of infection in a polydactyl paw.

"In the Maine Coon poldactyls  I have seen (those bred by the author from a single line) they appear to have widespread toes with very good flexibility between the digits, which leads to good air flow and therefore with normal feline care there should be no problems".

In addition to those pedigreed Maine Coon polydactyls, Dr Austin has a number of domestic polydactyls in her practice that she has treated for many years. She estimates the number of these domestic polydactyls to be 30-40 individuals. She has not seen any problems in these cats over the time they have been clients at her clinic. Dr Austin is willing to be contacted by NZCF officials regarding polydactyly via email. Please contact the author for her email address.

Polydactylism does not seem to do the animal any harm...the same cannot be said for a number of other feline abnormalities caused genetically

In the population of Maine Coons that the author has experience with, the extra "thumb" or pre-axial digit is structured as a normal toe with a retractible claw and is fully jointed. This is stropped on a scratching post in the same manner as the usual toes. Occasionally the polydactyl can also have a normal dew claw, and, as for the normal toed cat, this dew claw must be kept regularly clipped to ensure it does not grow inwards.

Owners of polydactyls should be instructed to check their cats claws and clip if necessary, as with owners of ordinary footed cats.

Close up of four-foot (4WD) polydactyl Maine Coon feet.

 

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© To Susan Grindell, not be reproduced without her express permission

 

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